As teachers in a school, the first thing that needs to be addressed is keeping students engaged in the classroom for the whole hour. It is a herculean task when the children are physically present in the classroom. So, how to manage them in virtual classrooms is the big question!
In the current circumstances, it seems a distant possibility for schools to reopen and function as normal, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, students falling back on their academics is also not an option. In order to ensure continual learning, most schools are resorting to online classes. With the help of school ERP software, such activities are easy and ensure that the respective courses are completed on time for individual students.
As mentioned earlier, it takes a lot of hard work for optimum student engagement in a virtual classroom. Here are a few tips that can be useful in such environments:
Here are a few tips that can be useful in such environments:
  • Predefine the rules - Before starting the online learning sessions, teachers should predefine the rules. There are students of all ages who are being taught in a virtual classroom. For most of them, it might be a new concept. Therefore, teachers need to specify some rules. These may include time for asking questions, using the chat option, and maintaining the classroom decorum, among other things.
    Teachers also need to define short term and long term goals for students with regards to the curriculum and make sure that the children adhere to them at all times. This will ensure timely completion of the syllabus.
  • Use audio-visual tools - Use of audio and video files makes online learning interesting. Students are able to grasp the subject better with the help of these tools. They also keep them engaged. Using live sessions is yet another way of making the most of available resources.
    Ideal school ERP software has tools such as webinars, whiteboards, file sharing facilities, etc. which can help students in connecting with others of their peer group and having the best learning experience while at home. Technology integration makes this possible even on mobile devices and hence, should be considered by teachers’ of varied subjects.
  • Make it interactive - Holding the attention of students in an online environment can be a humongous task. However, if the session is interactive, the same can be accomplished well. While teaching, teachers can rely on asking questions so as to gauge whether the students are able to understand the subject. This also keeps the children on their toes and they pay attention to the teacher so they can reply to the questions being put across.
  • Use quizzes and follow a reward system - When students are given their due value and rewarded for their efforts, they strive to work harder. Teachers should engage them with quizzes and reward the ones that perform the best. The quizzes can be conducted using the school ERP software and the rewards given without any delays so as to encourage the students.
  • Check the progress at regular intervals - Online exams can be conducted periodically to check the progress of the students. The grading can be done and the results uploaded on the online portal so that even parents are aware of the progress. Teachers can ensure that students are up to date with the syllabus completed.
  • Keep the classes short - It is important for teachers to conduct shorter classes. Making them funny and interactive pays. Since children are not physically in front of the class, shortening the duration of the actual lesson is ideal. In the remaining time, teachers can answer any questions or help students with the online reading material available.

Small, medium and large educational institutions have the responsibility of completing the syllabus that has been designated for each class/academic year. They are looking for new means to make this happen and with the help of online classes, the same is being achieved.

This online learning process is as new to the students as it is for most of the teachers. They have to be given a cooling-off period to get used to the system. Therefore, taking it slow and using online tools for classroom management is key.